A buyers guide 

 

The Mexico 1969-75

The Escort Mexico was built from 1969-75, at Aveley in Essex. At Ford Motor Company's Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) Production capacity was approximately 152 cars per week, nothing in today's standards of mass production, Dagenham operations reached capacity prior to final closure of 1300 vehicles per day. Over 700 cars per shift. 

Aveley production capacity was simply, manufacture to supply, and the demand was great. In late 72, demand for a higher specification car saw the development of the RS 2000 (see RS 2000 buyers guide)

What to check for

Check the rear of the vehicle under the boot floor, there should be approximately eight bolts visible, these were used to secure a stone deflector. Some of the cars have retained the stone deflector, but many have been removed

(see photo 1) 

 

Photo 1

 

As with the RS 2000, anti-tramp bars are fitted to the rear axle and run to the front of the rear wheel arch, check that they are fitted. Whilst at the rear of the car, check that the rear arches have been rolled. Another test for the earlier Mexico is to ensure that this bolt hole is on in the boot floor pan, this was used to secure the spare wheel. Later models used the wheel well and the battery was moved to the front of the vehicle.

 

If this checks out to be OK, go to the engine bay and start checking the following.

Check the strengthening around the suspension top plate. (see photo 2) These were spot welded.

 

Photo 2

 

Chassis plates are secured by pop rivets on the front slam panel, you can clearly see these in the shot above as you stand at the front of the car, the chassis plate is to the left of the bonnet release catch and the AVO plate will be on the right next to the bonnet stay  hole (see a + b photo 3) Note that this early Mexico has the battery fitted in the boot, positioned in the spare wheel well. The spare was secured on the boot floor and reduced load space considerably. 

 

The chassis plates should match the V5 (logbook) if you have any doubts please seek professional advice, contact the AVO owners club. They have registrars dedicated to Mexico RS2000 and all other AVO cars.

 

                                                                            

  Chassis plate on the left and the AVO (painted on purpose) to the right

Correct positioning of both plates above

 

Unlike the RS 2000, the Mexico's interior can come in a variety of trim, vinyl seat's and rubber mats, RS Recaro's with carpet, custom contour bucket seats, which appear to be different for driver and passenger. (this is correct) Map light fitted under the dash on the passenger side. Unfortunately, over the years, many people have changed interiors to suit i.e. replaced vinyl trim with Beta cloth Recaro's. Unless you are considering presenting your car for concourse, I wouldn't worry too much, at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. 

 

Mexico with vinyl interior 

 

Mexico with cloth interior, Recaro's and wood pack

 

 Another shot, vinyl interior